Time to review plan to evacuate pets

Fires across San Diego County in October 2007 forced the evacuation of a quarter million people and their animals. Roger Boyd tends to one of his dogs in an evacuation center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which served as a temporary shelter during the fires.
Peggy Peattie • U-T file photo

Fires across San Diego County in October 2007 forced the evacuation of a quarter million people and their animals. Roger Boyd tends to one of his dogs in an evacuation center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which served as a temporary shelter during the fires.

9) Recent photos and descriptions of your pet kept in a waterproof container for identification purposes.

10) Stickers you can attach to your pet’s tags with the information of your intended destination and outside temporary contact information.

Sources: San Diego Humane Society and San Diego County Department of Animal Services

The Southern California wildfire season will soon be upon us, so it’s important to be prepared for a quick getaway, with the things you need to take organized and a plan of action. Equally important is having an evacuation plan for your pets.

In the worst-case scenario, the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA and the San Diego County Department of Animal Services already have a system in place to help reunite animals that have been separated from their families. But the experts advise that preparation, practice and advance planning are also essential.

“We stress that it is the owners’ responsibility to evacuate their own animals,” said Lt. Dan DeSousa of the county Department of Animal Services. “A lot of people think we show up as the ‘knight in shining armor,’ but we have one (worker) for 85,000 people. When disaster strikes, we are spread very very thin.”

Leaving as early as possible and taking your pet with you is critical, DeSousa said. Don’t wait for mandatory evacuation orders.

Pets should wear a tag with accessible, legible identification. Have your pet microchipped and make sure the microchip is registered to the correct address, DeSousa said. Keep photographs and descriptions of your animals in a waterproof container.

Have a plan for a place to go to that is safe, since evacuation shelters generally don’t accept pets. Be familiar with kennels, veterinary facilities, animal boarding facilities and pet friendly lodging. Clear it with friends or relatives outside the area if you and your pets want to stay with them in case of an evacuation.

Keep your pet’s vaccinations current, and keep the records handy as well as a recent photo.

A pet carrier should be at the ready that is the correct size for your animal; the carrier should be labeled with your contact information.